The developments of different cancers in users of some sunscreen products have bewildered many people. The multiple reports of benzene-contaminated sunscreens has caused many to ask further questions regarding sunscreen lawsuits. 

This dedicated FAQs segment on Benzene Sunscreen Lawsuits answers questions our readers may have: 

What Sunscreen Chemical Can Cause Cancer?

Laboratory testing from Valisure, an online pharmacy, found many sunscreen and after-sun care products to contain benzene — an industrial chemical. 

Scientists have also documented the harm of ingesting benzene for over a century. 

According to WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), benzene is carcinogenic to humans.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also considers benzene as a human carcinogen. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the body charged with regulating and approving sunscreen variations and other products, benzene is a “Class 1 solvent.”

Drug products and drug substances, the FDA directs, shouldn’t contain a Class 1 solvent.

Do Sunscreens Give Cancer?

Sunscreen can cause cancer if they contain benzene, a carcinogen. Although there’s no specific research on benzene sunscreens and malignancies, Valisure found some sunscreen products containing benzene. 

Valisure cited a Yale University researcher who stated that no benzene amount in sunscreen products is little to cause cancer. 

When people use sunscreens containing benzene, the body absorbs the benzene-containing aerosol from the skin into the bloodstream. Once benzene enters the bloodstream, it increases the threat of cancer. 

A IARC report confirms benzene exposure heightens the risks of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Does Sunscreen Contain Benzene?

Not all sunscreen products contain benzene. However, Valisure’s lab research shows that sunscreen products from many renowned brands contain benzene. 

The indicted brands from Valisure’s research include:

• Neutrogena
• Sun Bum
• CVS Health
• Fruit of the Earth
• Raw Elements
• SunBurnt
• Good sense
• Banana Boat
• TopCare
• Everyday
• EltaMD
• Babyganics
• Walgreens
• Raw Elements
• Coppertone
• Max Block
• Solimo
• Equate
• La Roche-Posay
• Aveeno
• Up&Up.

Valisure tested over 200 separate batches from scores of sunscreen manufacturers and uncovered benzene in 78 product batches. 

Twenty-six of those products tested to contain benzene levels at 0.1 – 2 parts per million (ppm). According to a Yale professor, 0.1 ppm of benzene can expose people to high nanogram benzene levels.

Is Neutrogena Carcinogenic?

Valisure found multiple types of Neutrogena sunscreen to contain benzene. 

Specific Neutrogena products with benzene include:

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100+
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Oil-Free Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100
• Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Body Sunscreen SPF 50
• Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Water-Resistant Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30;l
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 70
• Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Water-Resistant Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

After Valisure made their discoveries available to the public, Johnson & Johnson — the pharmaceutical firm manufacturing Neutrogena products — recalled some Neutrogena sunscreen products. J&J proclaimed none of its sunscreens had benzene as an active ingredient and recalled their sunscreens out of “an abundance of caution.”

Does Oxybenzone Cause Cancer?

Many sunscreen products contain oxybenzone as an active ingredient. 

According to the FDA, using sunscreens containing oxybenzone is safe. However, several environmental and health groups have raised their reservations over the chemical. For context, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) says oxybenzone is the most concerning active ingredient in sunscreen products.

Research confirms the chemical results in skin allergic reactions, potentially disrupting the endocrine system’s activities. Scientists also say oxybenzone could harm children. 

As shown in the rat study conducted by the National Toxicology Program, oxybenzone is linked with signs of carcinogenic actions. Oxybenzone reportedly damages coral reefs and Hawaii banned sunscreen products that contain oxybenzone in 2021.

Where Do I Get Sunscreen With No Benzene?

Sunscreens containing benzene don’t list benzene as an active ingredient. So, the benzene-positive products are most likely contaminated. 

However, many sunscreen batches from Valisure’s test had no detectable benzene. 

Brands with sunscreen batches not featuring benzene include: 

• Equate
• Neutrogena
• Up & Up
• Supergoop!
• Banana Boat
• Revlon
• Sun  Bum
• Hawaiian Tropic
• Max Block
• Aveeno

Some of the brands in this list also have batches that tested positive for the carcinogen. Here’s the complete list of brands and sunscreen batches that didn’t contain benzene in Valisure’s analysis.